EPL 2017/18: Southampton 0-1 Manchester United, player ratings

Manchester United put in a dogged display at St. Mary's Stadium to come away with three points as Southampton failed to capitalise on a flurry of chances in the second half.

The visitors quickly got the lead, (and the only goal of the game) courtesy of Romelu Lukaku, who netted his 6th league goal in as many games from close range. After a relatively quieter half following the strike, the home side came out all guns blazing after the restart, creating a number of chances which they could not convert.

Here are the player ratings:

Southampton

Fraser Forster - 6.5/10

Fair play to Forster, he made a terrific instinctive save from Lukaku's header but the rebound fell to the striker again which led to the winner. He was called into action again to deny the Belgian and made another good stop to keep his side in the game.

Cedric Soares - 6.5/10

Soares was solid in the first half and didn't let Rashford go on his usual dazzling runs. His crossing was wasteful at times and faded out later on in the game as most Saints attacks came from the left side.

Wesley Hoedt - 7/10

The youngster was solid and dealt with the United front three for the major part of the game. His clearances helped keep the scoreline to just one goal in the first half but he was still at fault at losing Lukaku for the opener.

Maya Yoshida - 6/10

A silly foul from Yoshida nearly gifted United another goal from a set piece. The Japanese at times couldn't deal with the brute strength of Lukaku.

Ryan Bertrand - 6.5/10

After a relatively quiet first half, as he was largely untroubled on the right flank, Bertrand got involved in a lot of second-half attacks. His linkup with the attackers left much to be desired and often left his side open to counter-attacks.

Southampton v Manchester United - Premier League — Lemina had a dominant game, fizzling out most of United's attacks

Mario Lemina - 8/10

Strong and tough in midfield, the Ex-Juventus midfielder had a commanding presence throughout the game. His tackling was impressive and was by far the best Southampton player, with no United player able to stop his bombarding runs.

Oriol Romeu - 6.5/10

Even though his midfield partner stole most of the show, Romeu always found himself in good goal-scoring positions without capitalising it. After missing an absolute sitter in the box and even more subsequent chances, it wasn't going to be the day for the Spaniard.

Dusan Tadic - 7/10

In terms of defensive contributions, Tadic should've prevented Young from putting in the cross which led to the goal. After a luke-warm first half, he had a good second ha;f, creating chances with his deadly crosses. It was all for nought at the end, as his team failed to find the equaliser.

Steven Davis - 6.5/10

Davis was a hardworking engine in the middle of the park, providing the necessary defensive cover and the one-odd attacking threat. However, he couldn't get more involved in the second half to win back a goal for his side.

Nathan Redmond - 7/10

Redmond had a quieter game by his reputation in the first half, barely making any impact from the left side. His passing was sloppy and he couldn't link with Long at all. However, the Englishman improved after the restart, giving Valencia a tough time and testing De Gea with a vicious shot. One of the best Saints players in the second half.

Shane Long - 6/10

Long, in his traditional manner, drew out the centre-backs quiet often from their positions but his final passing was lacking. He lost his cool and got booked by fouling Fellaini. Even after the restart, he could barely convert the good chances which did come his way.

Substitutes

Manolo Gabbiadini - 6/10

The Italian was brought on to get the all-important equaliser but he could barely get involved in the game. His movement was good but there wasn't better service provided his way for the same.

James Ward-Prowse - 6.5/10

His set-piece deliveries were good and created two good chances for the Saints. Maybe more could've been expected had he been brought on earlier.

Charlie Austin - N/A

Barely had any impact on the game.

Manchester United

David De Gea - 7.5/10

After a completely untroubled first half for the Spain's no. 1 goalkeeper, he maintained his cool for a second-half Southampton onslaught. Courtesy of a string of fine saves and a resolute defence, he finished the match with a clean sheet.

Antonio Valencia - 6/10

The United captain had a poor start to the game by his standards, losing out on crucial duels. Even though he improved in spurts, it was generally a very average game for the veteran, who was troubled by Redmond and even got booked for a silly challenge.

Eric Bailly - 8/10

Bailly played a huge role with his commanding presence in the United box, making his trademark athletic clearances. His physicality and usual attitude ensured a clean sheet for his side.

Phil Jones - 8.5/10

The resurgent Englishman was an anchor in defence today. His commitment to cancelling out all Saints attack was worthy of a man of the match award.

Ashley Young - 7/10

Young put in another strong appearance at left-back today with his tough tackling and high-flying clearances from the get-go. In terms of attack, he provided a lovely cross for Lukaku to score the only goal of the game. Despite that, he lost in composure in parts and picked up a first-half yellow card.

Nemanja Matic - 7.5/10

Playing a bit more forward than usual today, Matic made some well-timed runs and his tackles were precise. As United were overwhelmed in the second half, his interceptions kept his team in the lead.

Marouane Fellaini - 8/10

Even though Fellaini couldn't thrive much in the attacking department, he made some vital interceptions and drew fouls from the opposition players. However, his in-box contributions to the defence were a positive, with the Belgium even making a goal-line clearance with his head. In the absence of Pogba, he continues to make a good name for himself.

Juan Mata - 6.5/10

Mata had a relatively quiet game overall. Even though his movement around the pitch was worrisome for the opposition defenders, he barely provided any creative threat today. He was subbed off early on in the second half for defence reinforcement.

Henrikh Mkhitaryan - 7/10

Though Mkhitaryan was very loose in possession, he created two good chances early on and was one of the best creative outlets for the visitors. As the Southampton attack went in search for the equaliser, he was involved in two more moves to finish off the game but couldn't do so. He was subbed off with 15 minutes to go for extra defensive cover.

Marcus Rashford - 7/10

The pacy youngster had a quieter game by his standards due to the home side's pressing. In spite of that, his nearly scored from a freekick. He contributed everywhere on the pitch, providing solid defensive cover on the left side as Southampton attacked. Much more was expected of the Englishman.

Romelu Lukaku - 7.5/10

Lukaku scored the only goal of the game by instinctively tucking away the rebound from his first shot. His movement was a nightmare for the defenders and he was always active with his pressing, getting in some good positions. The Belgium also had a massive chance to seal the game but couldn't capitalise on it, further getting booked for a silly foul, later on in the game.

Substitutes

Ander Herrera - 6.5/10

Herrera was brought on to curb a resurgent Southampton attack but barely pressurised them as they continued to create good chances. He could've put the game to bed and scuffed his shot. In spite of all that, he continued to work hard throughout, helping his side grind out a win.

Chris Smalling - 6/10

Smalling barely had any effect on the game apart from his decent positioning in the defence.

Daley Blind - N/A

Came on too late to have an impact.

Edited by Amit Mishra